The Kremlin is actively exploiting tensions in the Middle East to blame the United States for potential failures in upcoming peace negotiations regarding the resolution of the war in Ukraine. Experts point out that the Russian authorities will attempt to shift the responsibility for the breakdown of agreements onto the actions of the U.S. in the region.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Russian Statements and Kremlin Rhetoric
Analysts pay particular attention to a statement made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on March 5. In it, he harshly criticized the U.S. position regarding American-Israeli operations against Iran, accusing Washington of inciting discord and destabilizing relations between Iran and the Gulf countries.
“Lavrov claimed that many Russian politicians, political scientists, and analysts are concerned about the timing of U.S. operations against countries with which they are negotiating, and how this relates to peace talks in Ukraine. Lavrov accused the United States of conducting military operations against Iran and Venezuela, even while negotiations are proceeding successfully,” the report states.
Analysts note that Lavrov appeals to concerns in Russia about the loss of the ‘spirit’ of the Russian-American summit in Alaska, which took place in August 2025. At the same time, he emphasizes that this aspect is supposedly less significant than the so-called ‘agreements’ of the summit. The Kremlin uses this uncertainty to create the impression of the existence of official agreements with the U.S.
Kremlin’s Balance and the Impact of the Middle Eastern Crisis
According to experts, Lavrov positions himself as a moderate participant in the negotiation process, trying to send signals to Russian society and allies without sharply criticizing the Trump administration. However, other Russian officials employ a harsher rhetoric, using U.S. military operations against Iran to intensify antagonism with Washington and discredit peace talks on Ukraine under American leadership.
Among such examples, experts cite statements by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, who openly criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump for attempts at peaceful resolution amid military actions in the region. Analysts note that the Kremlin typically uses Medvedev to voice more radical positions that reflect the true intentions of the Russian authorities.
Experts emphasize that the Kremlin systematically delays and blocks peace negotiations with Ukraine, showing no interest in dialogue that does not align with its military objectives. At the same time, Russia is forced to balance between the desire to avoid American sanctions and the necessity of maintaining relations with allies, particularly Iran. The escalation of tensions following the commencement of joint U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran complicates this balance.
“Russia may also use this direct criticism of the United States as a negotiating partner to justify itself for any future failures in the negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine,” researchers believe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that trilateral negotiations involving Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington have been suspended due to active hostilities in the Middle East. Since the beginning of 2026, the parties have already held several rounds in the format of Ukraine – Russia – USA: meetings took place in Abu Dhabi in January and early February, and in Geneva in mid-February. A new meeting was scheduled for early March, which was agreed to be held before the escalation in the Middle East.
Since February 28, the situation in the region has significantly escalated: Israel and the U.S. have begun strikes against Iran, and in response, Tehran is attacking Israel and American facilities in the Gulf countries. This significantly impacts the course of the negotiation process regarding the conclusion of the war in Ukraine.